Duplicating ribbon attachment



Jan. 20, 1953 J, c, HQCHMAN 2,626,035

DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT Filed July 9, 1948 4 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR .fialz'wafiockmm ATTORNEYS 1953 J. c. HOCHMAN DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed July 9, 1948 INVENTOR JuliaSC/Ydc'fiman BY adawmi w ATI'ORNEYS Jan. 20, 1953 J c HC M N DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT 5 Shee'ts-Sheet Filed July 9, 1948 INVENTOR Jaiz'as CUE 062mm ATTORNEYS Jan. 20, 1953 c, HOCHMA-N I 2,626,035

DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT Filed July 9, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Julius C([focfimaro ATTORNEYS Jan. 20, 1953 J. c. HOCHMAN 2,626,035

DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT Filed July 9, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 gnu I I :"ll, {I

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ATTO R N EYS Patented Jan. 20, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DUPLICATING RIBBON ATTACHMENT Julius C. Hochman, New York, N. Application July 9, 1948, Serial No. 37,748

18 Claims. (Cl. 19715 3) This invention relates primarily to bookkeeping machines, more particularly to the instrumentalities thereof or associated therewith for producing simultaneously two or more separate inked copies.

It is a primary object of the invention to render serviceable any of the various conventional makes of bookkeeping machines without any alteration whatsoever in the construction thereof for simultaneously producing by the use thereof two or more non-smudging inked typewritten copies of documents such as journal sheets, ledger cards, bills or the like which are subjected to considerable handling during the normal course of business and which would smudge if made with conventional carbon paper.

Another object is to provide means for accomplishing the above result which may be set or arranged for use with as great or greater facility than carbon paper (that is extremely awkward to use especially when large sheets are required for relatively large ledger cards or journal sheets that may run from 17 inches in length to 30 inches in width), which is more economical than carbon paper, which requires less frequent handling for removing and replacing the duplicating element used according to this invention in place of carbon paper and wholly obviates the special precautions and operations required in effecting erasures in the course of typing where carbon paper is used.

Another object is to provide for accomplishing the above results, an auxiliary ribbon supporting attachment or accessory device of simple construction, which may be securely retained on the machine and which automatically exposes continually changing areas of ribbon to type impact and throughout the use thereof, automatically maintains the ribbon in sufiiciently taut condition for best service.

Another object is to provide a ribbon holder of the above type from which the ribbon may be readily removed and upon which the ribbon may be rearranged for utilizing fresh areas thereof, or a new ribbon affixed by simple manipulation without danger of smudging the fingers.

Another object is to provide a ribbon frame of the above type, which may be formed substantially solely from metal stampings, which in use may be readily applied upon the machine, without resort to tools, or skilled or time consuming fastening manipulation and which may as readily be removed from the machine, which co-ordinates with the parts of the machine automatically to assure proper co-relation for effective use, which does not interfere with the normal operation of the paper clamps, bail or other paper holding means or the line spacer, and which is free from interference with the primary ribbon mechanism.

Another object is to provide frames of the above type which readily admit of the use of more than one ribbon on a single ribbon carrying element or the use of more than one ribbon carrying element for the preparation simultaneously of more than one inked typewritten copy in addition to the single typewritten copy for which the bookkeeping machine is designed.

Another-object is to provide a device of the above type for use with front feed type bookkeeping machines, that makes collated form insertion faster, neater and more accurate than when conventional carbon paper is used with such machine.

Another object is to provide a device of the above type that may be readily manipulated so as to fit between the component elements of a bookkeeping machine.

Another object is to provide a ribbon holder of the above type which in operative position will retain a ribbon thereon so as to afford substantially complete visibility of the paper immediately therebelow.

Another object is to provide a holder of the above type constructed and arranged to retain a ribbon thereon so that the type heads will strike near the top edge of said ribbon to afiord complete visibility of the typed line upon rotation of the platen one space and also to provide complete utilization of said ribbon upon end to end reversal thereof on said holder.

A feature of the invention is the use of an open frame, carrying a length of ribbon and so constructed that when positioned upon the platen of a conventional bookkeeping machine and the machine is set for operation, the frame becomes inherently coordinated therewith to imprint additional inked copies, the frame with its carried ribbon shifting longitudinally with the platen with each movement of the latter after each typing operation, to avoid exposure of the identical ribbon area to successive type impacts.

In a preferred construction, the frame is a substantially rigid generally U-shaped metal piece, to be laid upon the platen, with its cross bar extending longitudinally of the latter, an inked ribbon being releasably attached to said frame to bridge between the free ends of the arms thereof, which extend downward from the bar and are preferably curved to conform to the curvature of the platen.

Another feature is the provision of a plurality of superposed insertion guides aflixed to one of 3 the arms of the frame and the mounting of a single ribbon on said arms so as to bridge therebetween, said guides facilitating the insertion of a pair of paper forms so as to straddle said ribbon.

Another feature is the provision of a plurality of superposed insertion guides affixed to one of the arms of the frame and the mounting of a pair of superposed ribbons on said arms so as to bridge therebetween, said guides facilitating the insertion of paper forms between said pair of superposed ribbons.

Another feature is the construction of. the ribbon carrying arms of the frame in such manner as normally to urge the ribbon thereon away from the platen to the plane of form insertion or removal, in order to facilitate insertion and positioning of the forms in front of and behind the ribbon and in front of the platen of a front feed throat type machine exemplified by the well known National Cash Register Class 3000 bookkeeping machine and automatically to position said ribbon adjacent said platen when the front feed throat is closed.

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown one or more of various possible embodiments of the several features of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the carriage of a front feed bookkeeping machine showing installed one embodiment of the attachment of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing in full lines the forms in place thereon and in dot and dash lines the machine in form receiving position,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device indicating the manner of use of the form insertion guides,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the attachment on a larger scale,

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view on a larger scale taken along'line 5 -5 of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is a plan view' on a larger scale of the form insertion guides and ribbon mounting arm,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the ribbon mounting arms and frame clip,

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary transversecross sec tional view showing the deviceo'f' Fig. '7 installed on an open throat type bookkeepingmachine,

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective viewof'the mid-section of the frame of Figs. '7 and 8 showing a ribbon supporting bracket thereon,

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary transverse cross sectional view on a smaller scale and in closed positicn, of the open throat type bookkeeping machine shown in Fig. 8, utilizing another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 showing the ma hine in open position,

Fig. 12 is a perspective view. in open position, on a larger scale of the embodiment of the device sh n in Figs. 10 and 11,

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 12 of the device approaching its closed position,

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary detail view taken along line I 4| 4 of Fig. 12,

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modification of the device shown in Figs. 10 to 14,

Fig. '16 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of still another embodiment, for use with machines in which the typing is performed from beneath the platen, and in which free access to the platen is obstructed by carriage elements,

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary transverse cross sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 18 mounted on a machine, and

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of. the ribbons.

Referring now to thedrawings, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 indicate illustratively the carriage of a Remington front feed type bookkeeping machine showing the platen 3| with the operating knobs 32 thereof, thebail rod 33'with the paper rollers 3E thereon, the' support arms 35 for the bail rod which also mount the bail rod brace 36 and the stiffener strut 31 therebetween. The machine also ineludes resilient deflector plate 33 and the movable deflector plate 39 which extend the length of the platen with the lower end 4! of the movable deflector plate 39 extending beyond the lower end of the resilient deflector plate 38. In addition, the machine includes the fixed table 43 which also extends the length of the platen and has its lower end 44 underneath and guiding the lower end 4! of the movable deflector plate 39, which plate rests on fixed paper table 43 and slides forward and backwards on the lower end 44 thereof.

The machine is also equipped with front feed paper clamp rollers 46 only one of which is illustratively shown, and which may be moved away from the platen simultaneously with an upward and outward movement of movable deflector plate 39, by suitable mechanism (not shown) when it is desired to insert forms into the machine in the manner hereinafter described.

A line finding wire 41 is also provided, supported by means (not shown) at each end of the platen and positioned slightly above the upper edge of the type head IOI which strikes. the primary ribbon 40 shown in Fig. 2 to make an impression on the top form in the machine.

All the foregoing construction is conventional and per se forms no part of this invention.

Proceeding now to the attachment device or holder of the present invention, which mounts ribbons 9|- and 92, or a single ribbon if desired, the holder as illustratively shown inFig's. 4, 5 and 6 may comprise a spring metal angle bar 52- which may be of. length nearly equal to that of the platen, having end arms 57 extending at right angles thereto, the arms 5 1 bent to conform to the curvature of the platen. Although arms 51 may be formed integrally with bar 52, desirably each of the arms 51 has a laterally extending member 55 conforming in shape to bar 52 and afiixed thereto preferably by rivets 56.

The curved arms 5! are desirably provided, preferably at their inner edges, with integral upstanding ledges 58 which stiffen said arms, said ledges being notched as at 59 for the purpose to beset forth.

Special retainer means is preferably provided for releasably securing the ribbon ends to the arms- 51 of the frame. In a preferred construction shown, the free end 61 of each of the arms 5! may be substantially rectangular in shape and has a lock shoulder 62 integral with the outer edge thereof.

Each of the ribbons 9| and 9-2, which are ink impregnated and with an impervious backing on one face, at each end desirably has a tab 63, preferably of impervious fabric affixed thereon as shown in Fig. 20 and has parallel slits 6G and 65 therein through the tab and ribbon whichextend parallel to the length of the ribbon, and may be of equal length as shown in Fig. 6 to accommodate the end 6| of the arms 51. It is of course to be understood that the tabs 63 could be eliminated and the slits 64 and 65 through the ribbon alone could accommodate end 6| of arm 51.

The ribbon with its tabs 83 is a distinct article of manufacture, of length depending upon the distance between arms 57. In mounting the ribbon upon the frame, the application of the tabs over the ends 6| of arms 51 results in tension of the ribbon slightly to bow the resilient angle bar 52. As the distance between the outer edges of the slits in the ribbon is shorter than the distance between the outer edges of the ribbon attaching ends 6| of the frame arms, the lock shoulder 62 on arms 51 respectively, will snap under the outer end of top slits 65 when the tabs are affixed on arms 57, securely yet releasably to retain the respective lock shoulders under the associated outer ends of slits 65, thereby securely retaining the ribbons on the arms yet permitting ready release thereof when desired.

A plurality of superposed spring sheet metal form guides are provided, three of which are illustratively. shown, designated by the numerals 61, 6B and 69. Although such guides could be mounted on either or both ends of the frame, in the embodiment herein chosen to illustrate the invention, they are desirably afiixed to arm 57 on the left side of the frame.

The front guide 6'! and rear guide 69 each has but a single ply whereas the middle guide 68 is reversely bent to form a separable double ply with the folded end 'II at the top and the open portion 12 at the bottom. As is clearly shown in the drawings, the lower portions or guide tracks of the guides are desirably curved to conform substantially to the curvature of the platen, are in nested relation and desirably taper inwardly along their outer edges as at 14 with the end 15 of the front guide 61, preferably extending substantially beyond the two ends 16 and 11 of the middle guide 68, and the end 78 of the rear guide 69, which latter three ends are in stepped relation with the rearmost end 18 being shortest in length. I The upper portions of the guides are preferably substantially flat as shown, with the upper portion of the double ply middle guide 68 projecting forwardly from the upper portion of the rear guide 89, to form a space 8! therebetween and with the upper portion of the front guide 61 being substantially parallel to the upper portion of the middle guide 68 to form a space 82 there- 'between, and the ends of the upper portions are preferably of graduated height as at 19, preferably increasing toward the rear, to further facilitate the insertion of forms between the guides.

In order securely to retain the guides in place, the rear guide 69, the bottom ply 89 of the middle guide 68 and the front guide 61 each desirably has alaterally projecting arm 86 integral therewith, which three arms 86 are secured to arm 5? as by a pair of rivets 81 securely to retain all three guides in superposed relation.

' It is to be noticed that the ends 16, 11 and 18 of the guides 68 and 69 are substantially transversely aligned with the end 6| of arm 51 and the curved portion of front guide 61, which is designated by the numeral 13, is of greater width than the other guides so as to cover the latter, and also to cover all but the outer edge portion of arm end 6!, with its lower end 15 extending substantially below the end of the frame arm 51. i The ribbons9l and 92 when mounted on the frame are in superposed and aligned relation with their inked faces toward the rear. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rear ribbon 9| is against the underface of the curved end of guide 69 and the front ribbon 92 is between the separable double plies or guide tracks of the middle guide 68.

As the ends of guides 61, 68 and 69 overlap as previously described, the stepped arrangement thereof facilitates the insertion of the ribbons therebetween.

By the construction above described when the frame is laid upon the platen of the bookkeeping machine, as the distance between the upstanding ledges 58 on the arms 51 is preferably somewhat less than the length of the paper bail 33 of the machine, the bail 33 may readily be positioned so as to register with and enter notches 59 in ledges 58 and thus retain the frame in position while still permitting limited longitudinal movement thereof with respect to the platen.

In insertion or open throat position of the Remington front feed bookkeeping machine illustratively shown in Figs. 2 and 3, with the bail in raised position, with its roller 34 out of contact with the platen and with the clamp roller 46 spaced from the platen 3| in the dot and dash position (shown in Fig. 2), the journal sheet J is inserted from the rear between the resilient deflector plate 38 and the platen 3| and is pushed directly about the latter until it passes up in front of the platen for a short distance. The ribbon carrying frame is then dropped loosely on the platen with its ribbons 9i and 92 on top of the journal sheet, and with the lower end 15 0f the front insertion guide 6! inside of the movable deflector plate 39, which at this time is in its upper or form receiving position, as also best shown in Fig. 2. The top end of journal sheet J may pass above the horizontal angle bar 52 of the frame as shown, or underneath, if desired, and the bail is then lowered with the bailrod 33 resting freely in the notches 59 of the ledges 58, thus Positioning the frame with the ribbons 9| and 92 located along the writing line of the machine, and with the bail rollers 34 pressing the journal sheet J against the platen as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

In one of the many widely used bookkeeping operations, the user then takes a ledger form L with a statement form S on top thereof and preferably held in proper collated position with respect thereto for an entry at the desired places on each form and positions the corner of the ledger form L between the upper portions of guides 69 and 68 and the corner 96 of the statement form S between the upper portions of guides 68 and 61 as is shown in Fig. 3 and thereupon pushes the ledger and statement forms downward and around the platen until the proper writing line is brought into position as indicated by the line finding wire 41.

It is to be noted that as the portions of the ribbons 9| and 92 beneath the guides are not in contact, as the ends l6, 11 of guide 68 straddle ribbon 92 and the end 11 of guide 68 and the end 18 of guide 69 are in front of ribbon 9|, and as the corners 95 and 96 of the respective forms L and S, are between the smooth faces of the opposed guides, the forms will not catch on the top edges of the ribbons and hence there will be nothing to impede their movement down and around the platen. Thus the forms may readily be properly positioned in the machine with ribbon 9! between the face of the journal sheet J and the back of the ledger form L and ribbon 92 betweenthe face of the ledger. formhand the back of the statement form S. The user then need merely'slid'e the: forms S a-ndLlongitudin'ally'of the platen to clear the guides. until theyare in proper columnar position with respect to the journal sheet.

In the open position to permit removal? of or to receive the ledger and statement formsL'and S, the movable deflector plate 39 is spacedfrom the platen 3i, as are the clamp rollers 46 and line finding wire 41, all of which is clearly shown in dot. anddash lines in Figr2. It is to be noted that when the deflector plate 39" is. moved to open position from its closed position shown in full lines in Fig 2, it will ride on the outersu'rface of end 75 of guide 61. This will prevent the deflector: plate 39' from catching. on the bottom end of arm 57 or on the bottom edges of the: ribbons. If desired, a piece similar to' end 1:5 could be provided on the other end of the frame for the same purpose. When the forms L and S and journal J are correctly correlated; the deflector plate 39,. the clamp rollers 36 and line finding wire 41 are moved against the platen 3| as shown in full lines in Fig. 2 securely holding the ledger and statement. forms in place with the line finding wire aligned with the top edges 98 of the superposed ribbons 9i and 92, and with the bottom edge of the last previously typed entry on the forms.

With the machine in. its closed position, the deflector plate 39 presses against the extending lower surface 15 of top guide 61, thus retaining all of the flexible guide leaves in close proximity with the platen, so that in the lateral movements of the machine carriage, no possibility exists. of any elements mounted on the moving carriage colliding with forwardly projecting stationary elements, such as the type guides, ribbon vibrator, etc. that are mounted on the machine base.

In use, the type impact of typehead I-fl'l through the primary ribbon 40 will imprint the statement form as usual and through ribbons 92 and 9| will cause a similar ink imprint upon the ledger form L and journal form J.

The successive movements of the carriage platen after each depression of the-tyne keys will carry the ribbon frame lengthwis with the platen. and hence expose a fresh: area of: the ribbons to the type heads, whichonly'movetransversely of the platen always to strike at the same position relative to the frame of; the machine, hence substantially the entire length of the ribbon at the tophalf thereatwillbe. utilized.

As the line findin wire 4-! is aligned. with: the upper edge 98 of the ribbons it is. apparent that the type heads will strike the latter close to such upper edge and hence it is merely necessary to rotate the platen one line space to-see the line just typed, which greatly facilitates entry offigures on the forms. Because of its symmetrical construction, when the ink in thehalf of the ribbon being utilized is exhausted, the latter may be reversed end to end so that the unused lower half thereof is brought into type. impact position adjacent the line finding wire. and in this way substantially the entire serviceable. area of theribbon is eflectively used.

By the use of the above described frame with its insertion guides, form insertion in front feed type machines is greatly facilitated. Statement and ledger forms or forms of similar nature may be rapidly collated without the necessity'of. handling additional loose carbons, and the: guides direct the forms: automatic-ally mm proper posttion. between: the: ribbons. Every typed; itemcon the: journal. sheet is fully visible, for unimpeded reference thereto; as is desired in many bookkeeping; operations.

Although the: device shown in Figs 1 to 6 utilizes but two ribbons, it isof course tobe: understoodthat a single ribbon or agreater'number of. ribbons could. be utilized and an additional double ply guide provided for each. additional ribbon.

Due to the" loose: mountof the ribbon carrying frame on the platen, the frame is free to; move horizontally along the plat-en',-in: responseto such forces as thoseof momentum and: inertia, generated during. normaltcarriage movement and carriage tabulation Preferably this. movement: of the frame along the platen is limited toa distance equal to approximately one typev space, the movement being preferably controlled by spaced collars not shown) mounted on bail rod 33, for abutment by the upstanding ledges 58 on the frame arms 57. A- somewhat lesser amount of vertical movement of the ribbon, with respect to the line of type impact, is also provided for, by making notches 59, into which the bail rod 33 rests, slightly wider than the diameter of the bail rod. It should be noted that where visibility of the last typed item onthe journal sheet J is desired, the extent of such vertical movement of the ribbon may preferably be less than where such visibility is not'required.

It is obvious thatthe various movements of the ribbon carrying frame with respect to the point of type impact, as" outlined above; result in a complete utilization of theribbon a-re'a adjacent the writing lineof the machine, and that the provision of a symmetrical ribbon capable of end to end reversal with two such loopy making areas, makes possible an extremely large amount of typing before ribbon changing becomes necessary.

Where a bookkeeping machine, illustratively a front feed'throat type machine-such as that sold by the National Cash Register Company, of the type shown in Fig. 8 is used; having a platen I04, a bail rod [21- extending longitudinally thereof and a supporting rod H8 also extending longitudinally-thereof, the device shown in Figs. 1 to 6 has been modified'to' adapt it foruse with such machine so that a simple operation, such as making entries on a bill an'd'j-ourn'al, maybe performed with great facility.

As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the ribbon frame comprises a spring metal angle bar [U3 of'length nearlyequal to that of the platen |-.ll4,.pref-erably having substantially L-shaped members I 05,each with an arm portion I06 substantially conforming in shape to angle bar I03, affixed to the ends thereof. as by rivets I06. Preferably integralwith arm NW at the upper. edge thereof adjacent the end of bar 33 and extending parallel to the horizontal portion I68" of saidbar, is a hanger 109-, and on the outside of said hanger H19 and spaced slightly therefrom is a spring clip member H l which comprises a curved resilient strip extending substantially parallel to. horizontal portion I08 and having an upturned end H2, the function of which clipv will be hereinafter described.

Extending at right. angles to arm I06, is end arm I I3, the major portion lM-of which may be curved to generallyv conform to the curvature of the. platen. The: curved. portion H4 may beprovided preferably at its. inner edge, with an upstanding stop I I5 which serves to aid in retaining the frame in place when it is mounted on the machine in the manner hereinafter set forth.

The end of portion H4 is desirably reduced in width, is preferably substantially rectangular in shape as at I I6 and has a ribbon retaining or look shoulder I I! integral with the outer edge thereof.

In use of the device, a ribbon I is positioned on the ends IIG of arms H3 in the same manner as previously described with respect to Figs. 1 to 6. The frame above described may be attached to the machine by positioning the hangers I09 so that they straddle rod II8 as shown in Fig. 8, in which position the resilient clips I I I will encircle said rod H8. The frame will thereupon pivot around rod H8 to bring the ribbon carrying arms H3 in contact with the platen with the ribbon along the writing line. The bail rod I2I mounted on pivoted member I22 is then positioned so that it comes to rest above the upper portion of arms II3 with stops I I5 thereagainst. Thus the frame will be loosely, yet securely retained against the platen.

Where a wide form and a long platen is used which requires a long frame and a long ribbon, the latter may bow when the platen is rotated due to the frictional dragging of the forms and hence may be drawn away from the writing line.

In order to prevent bowing of such ribbon, a support bracket I23 may be provided which is shown in Fig. 9. The bracket which is preferably a strip of resilient sheet metal is preferably formed with a substantially L-shaped upper portion I24, the vertical leg I25 of which has a laterally extending flange I26 which extends over and grips the upper edge of the vertical portion I21 of the angle bar I03. The horizontal leg I28 of bracket I23 may have two inturned ears I29 which extend over the horizontal portion I08 of the bar I03, securely yet slidably to mount the bracket thereon. The lower portion of the bracket is curved to conform to the curvature of the platen and desirably has a vertical slot I30 in the end thereof through which the ribbon I00 is passed. As the length of the slot is substantially equal to the width of the ribbon, the bracket will provide a support for the tensed ribbon intermediate the ends thereof.

It is of course to be understood that where said support bracket is used, it would be positioned along the horizontal angle bar of the frame at a point where no entries will be made on the forms and hence the type heads will not strike against the bracket.

In Figs. 10 to 14 inclusive, the device shown in Figs. '7 and 8 has been modified so that it may be used on the National Cash Register machine above mentioned to make entries, as for example on a statement sheet, a ledger sheet and a journal sheet.

Associated with the platen I04 is a front plate I36, usually of Lucite or other transparent plastic having a paper table I38 associated therewith, said paper table I38, said platen I04 and said plate I36 being movable from the closed operating position of the machine shown in Fig. 10 to the open or form insertion position shown in Fig. 11.

The ribbon frame which may be similar to the one shown in Figs. 7 and 8, as best shown in Fig. 12 has affixed to each of its end arms I I3, or formed integrally therewith if desired, and extending longitudinally thereof an extension arm I4I which may be curved generally to conform to the curvature of the platen. At the end of arm extensions I 4| on each side thereof desirably is 10 an upstanding ear I42 and I43 respectively, each having an opening therethrough.

A ribbon holder I45 is provided, having laterally projecting studs I46 on the base I41 thereof preferably integral therewith, which fit into the openings in ears I42 and I43, whereby said ribbon holder may be pivotally mounted on said extension arm MI. The pivotal axis of ribbon holder I45 is preferably inclined inwardly, which may readily be accomplished in any of a plurality of ways and preferably by making the opening in outer ear I42 further from the surface of extension arm I4! than the opening in the inner ear I43. The free end of ribbon holder I45 substantially con orms in configuration to the end I I6 of arm I I3 which has already been described with respect to the embodiment shown in Figs. '7 and 8 and hence need not be further described. Ribbon holder I45 has an upwardly extending closing lever I52 which may comprise a strip of spring steel with the free end I53 thereof sli htly curved as shown. Although lever I 52 may be inte ral with ribbon holder I45 it desirably is affixed thereto on the front face thereof preferably by rivets I5 I.

In use of the device, ribbons I56 and I 55 are positioned on the ends I I6 of arms I I3 and on the ends of ribbon holders I 45 res ect vely in the same manner as previously described with respect to Figs. 1 to 6.

When the frame above described, is hung from rod II8 with the spring clip portion I II and hanger I09 straddling rod IIB as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the frame will pivot around rod I I3 to bring the ribbon carrying arms MI in contact with the platen with the ribbon along the writing line. The bail rod I2I is then positioned so that it comes to rest above the upper portion of arms II3 against stop II5. Thus the frame will be securely retained on the machine to move lengthwise thereof with the platen, but capable of independent free shift of itself as previously de,

scribed with reference to the device shown in Figs. 1 to 6.

With the machine in open throat position as shown in Fig. 11, and the transparent plate I36 pivoted away from the platen I04 the ribbon holders I45 by virtue of the inward inclination of their pivotal axes, will have automatically pivoted outwardly away from extension arm I42 by reason of the force exerted by the bowed resilient frame and its arms reacting against the resistance of the tensed ribbons on such ribbon holders. As lever I52 is pressed against plate I35, it will follow the latter under the urging of ribbon holders I45, and thus it is not necessary manually to move the ribbon I55 away from the platen.

As ribbon I56 on arms II3 remain in juxtaposition to the platen I3I against the journal sheet J thereon and as ribbon I55 will be spaced from the platen and from the Lucite front plate I36 as is shown in Fig. 11, it is a relatively simple matter to position a statement and a ledger form which if desired may be previously collated, so that the latter is between ribbons I55 and I56 and the former is between plate I36 and ribbon When the machine is to be operated, as the plate I36 is moved from the position shown in Fig. 11 to that shown in Fig. 10, it will push lever I52 and pivot the ribbon holders I45 to operative position so that ribbon I55 will be moved parallel and in close proximity to ribbon I56. When the type head (not shown) strikes against the gamma primaryribbon (not shown) it will imprint: thestatement form as usual and through ribbons ribbonframe to move bothwith the platen, and

independently on the platen, and hence expose fresh areasof'the ribbon to the type heads.

A modification of the device shown in Figs. 10 to 14* inclusive, is shown in Fig. 1'5 in which corresponding parts havethe same reference numerals-primed. A-n arm I65, ofsp-ring steel, is superposed on and afiixed as by riveting as at I66" to the upper endof arm I I3 or'it may beformed integrally therewith. The lower' portion I61 of 'arm' I65is curved'to' conform to the curvature of" the-' arm H3", overlaps the end of said arm and is' reversely bent" as at I 68' forming a. resilient portion thereat, the-reversely bent portion' I59 diverging outwardly as'shownin Fig. 15 and having the ribbon holding conformation thereon heretoforedescribed with respect to the embodimentsshown in Figs. 1 to 14. Aclosing" lever I52 similar to the one shown in Figs.- loto' 13 is "aflixed to the reversel'y bent portion I 59 by rivetsI 5| 'i As the operation of'thed'eviceshown in Fig; 15' is the-same as that shown in Figs. to" 14', it need not be further described.

In the embodiments shown in Figs; 10 to. 15 but one ribbon is carriedby ribbon holders I45 andv I69 respectively; However'if it is desired to: mount two or more ribbons thereon, the inser tion' guides shown Figs; 1" to fi could be inoor porated on ribbon holders I45' and" I59 respec tively; A's'the construction and'operationof such: combined structure isreadily apparent in view of:

the foregoing description, it need not befur-ther described.

The embodiment of the ribbon holding arm shown in Figs. 16 and 17 is for use with a bookkeeping machine having a pivoted indicating plate I1I in front of the platen I12, where=itsis desiredto utilize a writing line substantially the entire length of'the platen;

To this end, curved arm- I13 which is affiXed" to the cross bar of the frame (not shown) at:

right angles thereto, has a laterally extending Wing I14 depending therefrom which forms an obtuse angle I18 with respect to arm I13", the ribbon holding end' I16- ofsaid wing having the same configuration as the ribbon holding arms previously described.

To use this device, the ends of'the platen are reduced; preierably'b-y beveling as at I19 beyond the maximum paper width possible for use, to accommodate wing I14 as is shown in Fig: 175 Thus the ribbon holding end I16 will' not a'ibut against the obstructing head I8I of'the pivot pin:

for the plate I1I' and-a writing line of-"substan tiallythe entire useful length of the platen will be available for use.

Theembodiment' sliown in: Figs. 18 and? 1911s: especiallyior'use-with a machine? in which free; access to the platen is prevented? by-obstructing; rods"- as in the Burroughs'bool zkeepi'ngmachine:

which has a platen I84, a pair of rods I85 an'df I85 longitudinally thereof and a third rod I81 extending longitudinally thereof; With the:

platen so surrounded. by obstructing rods; it. is

extremely difficult to insert a ribbon frame with rigid arms so curved as to fit the platen, for

during such frame insertion, it is necessary for the curved arms and the. ribbon I8$ to passbettween rods- I and" I81 and" the-platen andlie" flush with the-underside -of the platenasisshown. in solid linesin Fig. 193

To this end, the ribbonframe comprises a extends through thez reversely'bent. portion I99? and-T which. form aprojecting hanger 292 and. a' spring'clip- 203, the end 2114 of the latter being curved: slightly: as shown. Integral with arm I 9& and extending atright angles thereto is .end

arm 2G5, thexmajor portion 296: of: which iscurved to conform: to the? curvature; of' the: platen: I81!" and which: is provided}. preferably at its inner edge with an upstanding stop 291. members; I and angle: bar I9I: are shown as separate? menrbers;. it is of course: to be understand that they" could-T, be: formed from but: a.

single: piece;

At the.:end:ofcurvedi'portion 205' offa-rm 2l15onopposite. sides: thereof are upstandingrears 2'08 andi 299' respectively; each having: an opening:

therethrough- A. ribbon holder 2M. i'sprovided having integral pivots? 214"- at the base; thereof, the: ends; of the. pivots: extending: respectivelythrougllthe; openings inears zt baand zilfi .securee 13'5"}{875piV0l78i11y="tO; retain: the; ribbon; holder: 2H2 on arm: 2.0.5:.

The free' end-2l6: of ribbonholder 2 H is substantially the. same asthe end II6 of arm- H3 shown in Fig: 7 which'has been previously de scribed: in detailiandjhence-need not be further" described.

Inztheuseof thedeviceshown in Figs. 18 and 19;.ribbon' IBB- is positioned on. the ends 216 of I ribbonholder 2 I Fl:- in. the manner previously described; To'mount the-frame above described, on: the machine; it is necessary for. the ribbon I83 topass between-bar I8:1 and the platen I84:

This would be extremelyv difiicultif not impossible:

to'accornplish, were-theribbonholder-21 I integral with-the-arms 295: or permanently afiixedin the position shown in full lines; by reasonof the limited: space available" for manipulation; and

theobstructing;presence'of: the pa ir of rigid bars However: by reasonofthepivotal connection of-:the.ribbont holder: 21 I torarm 295; the-ribbon;

holder can be pivoted to the position shown in dot-anddashlinesinFig: 19 in whichit lies in substantially the. same plane" asarm- 295. It is thereupon a relatively simple matter to passrthe ribbon. I 88 between rod I81 and platen I 84 at whichtime-the ribbon. holders: 2| I" arepivoted so: thatribbon; I88therebetween is moved against the platen: from; the position shown in: dot and dash-lines). inFig. 19. to; the position: shown. in;

fulLlinesa With the spring: .clip portions-Z!) 3': and: protrude ing; hanger 2-927. of.- attachment arm. I981 around barrIflS andrwithstop- 29.1 against bar I 81; the frame. I86'will be-securely retained in-positioneon.

the. machine, held against; pivotal: movement about bar."- I85 but movable longitudinal with. the:

platen; which is free to rotate; and movable independently thereon as previously described:

Byth'e' use of the devices :hereinabove described,

Although:

it is apparent that duplicate inked copies may be made on a bookkeeping machine without the need for carbon paper which is relatively expensive, slow and difficult to handle and smudges the hands of the user and the forms being typed, and loses its legibility by further smudging with each handling of the finished form.

The ribbons herein utilized, enable erasures to be made by simply rotating the platen so that the erroneous entry is no longer aligned with the ribbon. As there is no duplicating medium such as carbon paper beneath the erroneously typed character, it can be erased without the precautions taken when carbon paper is used. Thus the speed of correcting is considerably enhanced.

The term bookkeeping as herein used, is not limited to machines that record as such numerical accounting entries, but embraces within its scope other machines in which the attachment herein disclosed has utility, among which are punched card controlled tabulators, typewriters and computers.

As many changes could be made in the above construction, and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope of the claims, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a machine of the front feed type including a platen and means movable with respect to such platen from typing position to form inserting position; the combination therewith of a frame, means on said frame coacting with said machine to position said frame on said platen, ribbon mounting means near opposite ends of said frame, removably to retain the respective ends of a plurality of ribbons to extend therebetween longitudinally of said frame, and insertion guide means associated with said frame to facilitate the simultaneous insertion of a plurality of forms in correct relation with respect to such ribbons.

2. In a bookkeeping machine of the type including a platen; the combination therewith of a ribbon carrier comprising a frame resting upon the platen and movable longitudinally therewith,

means on said frame coacting with such machine to position said frame in place on said platen, ribbon holding means on said frame at each end thereof, said frame having a plurality of superposed ribbons mounted on said ribbon holding means and extending in front of said platen 1ongitudinally thereof, and insertion guides mounted on said frame and associated with said ribbons, whereby an entry form may readily be inserted between adjacent ribbons.

3. In a bookkeeping machine of the type including a platen; the combination therewith of a ribbon carrier comprising a frame resting upon the platen and movable longitudinally therewith, means on said frame coacting with such machine to position said frame in place on said platen, ribbon holding means on said frame at each end thereof, said frame having a plurality of superposed ribbons mounted on said ribbon holding means and extending in front of said platen 1ongitudinally thereof, and a pair of superposed insertion guide members mounted on said frame between adjacent ribbons whereby an entry form may readily be inserted between said pair of guide members and thereupon moved to clear said guide members and be positioned between said adjacent ribbons without abutting against the upper edges of said ribbons.

4. In a bookkeeping machine of the front feed type including a platen, and a movable deflector plate in front of said platen, longitudinally thereof and extending thereunder; the combination therewith of a ribbon carrier comprising a frame perposed insertion guide members between adjacent ribbons and a pair of insertion guide members in front of the topmost ribbon, said guide members being mounted on said frame and positioned between said platen and said movable deflector plate, whereby an entry form may readily be inserted between said first pair of guide members to enter between said ribbons, and an entry form may readily be inserted between said second pair of guide members between the topmost ribbon and said deflector plate, and said entry forms may thereupon be moved longitudinally of said platen to clear said guide members, and positioned between and in front of said ribbons respectively without abutting against the upper edges thereof.

5. In a bookkeeping machine of the front feed type including a platen having a bail rod extending longitudinally thereof, and a movable deflector plate in front of said platen and extending thereunder longitudinally thereof; the combination therewith of a ribbon carrier, comprising a frame resting upon the platen and movable longitudinally therewith, means on said frame coacting with said bail rod to retain said frame in place on said platen, ribbon holding means on said frame at each end thereof, said frame having a plurality of superposed ribbons mounted on said ribbon holding means and extending in front of said platen longitudinally thereof, a plurality of insertion guides mounted on said frame associated with said ribbons, the insertion guides associated with all but the rear ribbon being reversely bent, closed at the top thereof and having a pair of guide members straddling the associated ribbon, an insertion guide between the adjacent guide member of the front ribbon and said movable defiector plate and an insertion guide between the guide member adjacent to the rear ribbon and said rear ribbon, whereby an entry form may readily be inserted between the insertion guide and guide member associated with the front ribbon and an entry form may readily be inserted between the insertion guide and guide member associated with the rear ribbon and said entry forms may thereupon be moved longitudinally of said platen to clear said guides and guide members, and positioned between and in front of said ribbons respectively without abutting against the upper edges thereof.

6. In a front feed machine of the type including 'a platen; the combination therewith of ribbon carrier comprising a frame having side elements resting on said platen, means on each of said side elements coacting with the machine to retain said frame on said platen, releasable ribbon holding means on said side elements to which the ends of a plurality of superposed ribbons may be affixed respectively, such ribbons to extend in front of ageaoroser sairhpiatem longitudinally-thereof, and a pluralityof? associate'ch insertion guides; affixed to; one; of said side elements and associated with: suchiribbone when thusiafiixed, whereby; an entry; form mayreadily 'beinserted? between: such: superposedv ribbons.

7.: Imabookkeepingmachine ofthe f-ront feed type including: a platen" and a: movable deflector pl'aterinfrontiof said platenat the bottomthereof andiextending. longitudinally thereof; the combination therewith of aribbon carrier; comprising a. frame having side elementsresting; on said platen,.means;on each of saidside elements coactingzwith-the machine to. retain'said frame on said; platen and. movabletherewith, releasable ribbon: holding means :against-saidside elements to& which" the respective: ends of a plurality of superposedmibbonamay be afiixed, such. ribbons to: extendwim front of said platen longitudinally thereof; a pair of superposed insertion guide members between adjacent' such. ribbons and a pair of: insertion guide: members in front: of the frontribbon, said guide members being; affixed to one of said side elements-, extending. trans. versely.- of said; platen: inthe frontt-hereof and positioned: between: said platen and: said movable deflector? plate the: upper portion of each: of; said pairs of guidemembersabeingspaced, whereby anentry for-mrmay readily be. insertednbetween the upper-portions; of: each: of saidpairsi of: spaced:

guides members. and; thereupon: moved:v longitudinally of said platen to clear said guideemembers, andv positioned. between; and: in: front of such ribbons;respectivelywithout abutting against theuppenedgesthereofi 8.2.Asr an; article: of manufacture, a: ribbon:

holden'for. a frontzfeedmachine; saidzholderrcome prising; a generally U-shaped frame including a. longitudinal barand. end armsextending angu-- larly with; respect thereto; means onzsaid frame for: releasable attachment thereof to said: ma.- chine, ribbonholding meanson each-of said .arms for releasable-attachment of a plurality of ribbons to-extend'therebetween; and-a plurality of associated insertion guides afiixed: to-saidframe-to facilitate the: positioning; of forms between said ribbons.

91 The: combination set forth in claim 8. in whichi each of-saidwsuperposed insertion; guides is athinileaf of sheet: metalan'dhasa curvedlower portion.

10. Thecombination: set forth in: claim; 8: in: which eachfof saidinsertion guides ha'sanupper portion? and a curved lower portion andthe ends of. said curvedportionsarestepped; with:the-end of; the. front. guide extending beyond: the end: of the: rear guide.

1-1-.. The combination. set forth inzclaim 81in.

'whicheeach of" said insertiontguides has-an upper portion-andacurved lower portionzands'thelower portion: of; said front; guide: is of greater width.

than thelowerportion of theguides therebelow andtextendsoyerthe ribbon'holding means at'the end'ofthe arm.

12. The: combination set forth in claim 8 in which each of said insertion guides has an upper portion and a curved lower portion, with the upperportions of the guides being spaced from each other.

13. Thecombination set forth in claim 8 in which at least three insertion guides are provided, eachof said guides having an upper portion anda' curved lower portion, with the upper portion of the guides being: spaced from each other, andin which each guide between the front'guide and the rear guide has two separable plies.

14. The: combination set' forth in claim 8' in which each of said insertion'guides has a laterallyextending arm by means of which said guides are rigidly afiixed to said associated end arm.

15.. The combination set forth in claim 8 in which each of said insertion guides has an upper portion and a curved lower portion, with the upperportion of the guides being spaced from each other; and the ends of said curved portion arestepped, with the end of the front guide extending beyond the end of the rear guide, the lowerportion of'said' front guide being greater in width than the lowerportions'of the guides below and extending over the ribbon holding means at the end of the arm.

16. The combination setforth in claim 15. in. which at least three insertion guides are pro:- vided; with theguidebetween the topmost. guide andth'e bottom guide havingtwo separable plia 17..1he combination set. forth in claim; 8 in.

which ea'chof said: insertion. guides has an upper; portion: and: the: ends 'of said upper portions: are of graduated height, increasing toward the rear guide;

18: The combination set forth in claim 8 in:

JULIUS C. HOCI-IMAN.

REFERENCES. CITED The following references are of recordini thefile of: this patent:

UNITED. STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,826,074. Hochman Oct. 6, 1931 2,010,137 Cargill et a1. Aug. 6, 1935 2,060,315 Hochman Nov. 10, 1936 2,226,863 Hochman Dec. 31, 1940' 

